Reality television thrives on drama, but few contestants have stirred the pot on Peacock’s The Traitors Season 4 quite like Michael Rapaport. As the series unfolds in its Scottish castle setting, the lines between strategy, personality, and spectacle blur—leaving both players and viewers divided. Recent interviews and podcasts have shed new light on the tension, with former contestant Rob Cesternino and Rapaport’s wife, actress Kebe Dunn, offering candid perspectives on the chaos and camaraderie behind the scenes.
Rob Cesternino, a two-time Survivor castaway and reality competition series expert, was the second player to be “murdered” on this season of The Traitors, as revealed in the January 8, 2026, premiere. In a post-mortem interview published by DECIDER on January 16, Cesternino didn’t mince words about the impact Rapaport had on the Faithful team. “I think that the Faithful really need to get Michael Rapaport out of the equation, because I think that Michael Rapaport—even though I tried to tell anybody who would listen—is not a Traitor,” Cesternino said. “I think that there would be addition by subtraction to taking him out of the mix, because you can’t have a productive conversation with Michael in the room.”
Cesternino’s frustration wasn’t just about gameplay. He emphasized how Rapaport’s penchant for theatrics and sidetracking conversations created chaos that the actual Traitors could exploit. “He’s somebody who he’ll just sidetrack a conversation and start ranting about something that has nothing to do with what you’re talking about, and then everybody is just all worked up and out of sorts,” Cesternino explained. “The Traitors are using Michael Rapaport to really great effect.”
Despite his early exit, Cesternino reflected positively on his experience, telling DECIDER, “I’ve been really just blown away by the support that I’ve gotten over these last couple of days, and I really feel really great about the whole experience. I had the best time getting to do it.” Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if a different cast composition might have changed his fate. He noted, “I think that for the health of the franchise, I think they needed to do this. I just wish they didn’t do it on this season because I think a gamer would have kept me safe.”
Cesternino also shared his suspicions during the game, revealing he suspected Dorinda Medley and Yam Yam Arroyo as possible Traitors. He praised the cunning gameplay of Candiace Dillard Bassett, Lisa Rinna, and Rob Rausch, saying, “They’re playing really, really smart. Candiace and Lisa and Rob, so far, and they seem like they’re all working together.” Notably, he admired Rob Rausch’s ability to fly under the radar, admitting, “I was actually really impressed getting to watch him in these first couple of episodes.”
On the subject of returning for another season, Cesternino was open yet realistic. “As far as I’m concerned, what’s the worst that could happen to me? What’s the downside? They murder me again?” he joked. However, he doubted he’d make a good Traitor, preferring the role of a Faithful. “I love the idea of being a Faithful and being one of these people when the players are figuring things out and putting the Traitors on the defensive a little bit. I think that it’s a really exciting part of the game, and I’m just disappointed that I didn’t get to do more.”
Meanwhile, the Rapaport household is experiencing its own reality TV fatigue. On a recent episode of Rapaport’s Reality podcast, Michael Rapaport’s wife, actress Kebe Dunn, made it clear she’s had enough of The Traitors after this season. “After this [season] is over, I’m done with Traitors,” Dunn declared. “Not my favorite show.” Still, she’s been watching closely—especially when it comes to her husband’s journey. “Honestly, looking at it, I think you’re the best thing,” she told Rapaport, adding a nod to fellow cast members Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett, whom she enjoys watching as much as her husband.
Dunn’s protectiveness was on full display as she vented about the show’s drama and cast dynamics, particularly after the three-episode premiere. “I want to say so much more…you’re catching me at a bad time, we’re doing it right after [watching],” she admitted. “I’m really hot because I’m very protective. I also want to talk s–t back. I’m a 56-year-old grown woman and I don’t even have the internet.” Dunn didn’t hold back when discussing certain cast members’ reactions toward Rapaport, especially Yamil Arocho. “Stupid a– Yam Yam—Jam Jam whatever your name is, eye rolling—you’re giving haterade,” she quipped, referencing what she perceived as dismissive behavior from Arocho.
Rapaport himself has acknowledged the divisive energy among the cast. “It wasn’t just gamers,” he explained on his podcast. “There was a certain clique of people.” He admitted to feeling tension from “two or three people” during filming, with Arocho among them. Despite the friction, Rapaport’s bluntness and energy have made him one of the season’s most polarizing personalities—a fact not lost on viewers or his fellow contestants.
As Parade reported, whether Rapaport makes it to the end or not, his presence has left a lasting mark on The Traitors. Dunn, while ready to leave the show behind, remains firmly in her husband’s corner, ready to defend him long after the castle doors close. “Whether he makes it to the end or not, Rapaport’s presence has left a mark on The Traitors. And while Dunn may be done with the show after this season, she’s fully in his corner, ready to defend her husband long after the torches are snuffed.”
The show’s ability to spark such strong reactions—both on and off screen—speaks to the unique blend of personalities and strategies at play. From Cesternino’s analytical approach and early exit to Rapaport’s unapologetic energy and Dunn’s fierce loyalty, The Traitors Season 4 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about installments yet.
For those eager to keep up with the drama, the first three episodes of The Traitors Season 4 are streaming on Peacock, with new episodes premiering Thursdays at 6 p.m. PT (and 9 p.m. EST, depending on your coast). Peacock offers both ad-supported and ad-free subscription options, with additional savings for annual plans and a seven-day free trial available via Prime Video.
As alliances shift and suspicions grow, one thing is certain: The Traitors continues to captivate—and sometimes exasperate—contestants and viewers alike. With personalities as big as Rapaport’s and stakes as high as ever, the castle’s halls are sure to echo with drama for weeks to come.
